Elsewhere in Columbiana County

Board approves off-street parking lot for Legends

October 12, 2012

EAST LIVERPOOL - A proposal to construct an off-street parking lot for customers at an East End business was approved Thursday night by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Jeff W. Hall, owner of Hall of Legends, 504 Mulberry Street, had petitioned the board after his initial request had to be denied by the planning department due to city code requiring BZA approval when an off-street parking lot is to be constructed on lots other than that containing the principal use.

Hall presented his plan and drawings prior to the meeting and also addressed the board, saying he will turn vacant property into a parking lot for the business.

Board member James Casto said he was "very familiar" with the area in question.

Board President Scott Shepherd asked Hall if the lot has been covered with grindings which are dust-free, and was advised it has. A dust-free surface is a requirement of city ordinance.

First Avenue resident Loretta Miller supported the measure, saying she lives across the street and "totally approves" of Hall's plan, saying he had made a "big improvement" to the neighborhood. Prior to him improving the lot, it contained chest-high weeds, rats and mice, she told the board.

Planning Director Bill Cowan said Hall had met minimum provisions for screening and landscaping except for noting in his plan what type of tree will be planted where the parking lot abuts the residential district. He said evergreen hedges or evergreen shrubs not less than four feet high are required.

The board approved the request, giving Hall 30 days in which to plant the required trees. Shepherd abstained, saying after the meeting he had done so because he had prepared Hall's drawings for him. Shepherd is an architect.